I’m a jeweller – 3 things that make your engagement ring look cheap and halo designs are the worst
THE DREAM proposal is nothing without the dream ring, but whether you trust your partner to pick it out or wait to choose your own there are some you should avoid, according to this jeweller.
The London-based high end jeweller and engagement ring specialist ruffled more than a few feathers when he shared the three designs he can’t stand.
In the viral video, he explained the common designs will make any ring “look cheap as f**k”, no matter how much you spend on it.
First up are halo rings, which usually features on larger stone surrounded by smaller stones.
Although the design makes the main stone look bigger, the pro warned against the design and urged people to steer clear “no matter what happens.”
He explained there are other ways to achieve the same goal of making the stone look bigger without falling for the trend.
If that sounds bad, the jeweller shared his second pet peeve when it comes to rings – the mosaic design.
This style usually features smaller stones set together to make a patter or to appear as one larger stone – but they’re a a big no-no for the expert.
In fact, he said the mosaic ring never achieves the goal of appearing like one large stone and instead looks “cheap.”
“It’s gonna look like it’s made in China,” he said.
Finally, he revealed high set solitaire rings are a big no-no too.
They might cost a fortune, but the height can cause huge problems, and the last thing you want is to break or loose the precious stone from your ring.
Of course, the most important thing is that you love your ring, whether it’s a huge diamond or a simple band.
And that’s what people on TikTok agreed when the commented on the viral clip.
One said: “Number one rule, pick a ring you love and ignore other people’s opinions.”
A second agreed: “I wouldn’t judge anyone’s ring, it’s about the commitment.”
Meanwhile, a third wrote: “I guess I’m cheap, my engagement ring is a mosaic.
“I like vintage jewellery and it’s just perfect, but hey, whatever.”
“I have a halo and I love it, it’s a beautiful and high quality centre stone and I get loads of compliments on it,” someone else said.
So, what style of rings does the pro approve of?
In the comment section he noted he’s a fan of toi and moi style rings, noting that they’re “so chic”.
Low set bezel designs are also a winner, as he revealed they’re a current favourite of his.
How much should an engagement ring cost?
Buying an engagement ring is a huge moment in anyone’s life, but there’s also a lot to take into consideration, including metals, gems, sizes, and styles.
Some may know the exact engagement ring their partner would like, while others may feel a lot of pressure to choose the perfect ring.
London’s Hatton Garden is a popular location for many, where you can shop engagement rings and bespoke designs, while Tiffany & Co, Cartier, and De Beers are often popular inspirations for some to base their engagement ring design around.
H Samuel, Goldsmiths, Ernest Jones, and Beaverbrooks are also popular shopping destinations to secure the engagement ring, while Monica Vinader, Very and Pandora also have stunning rings that are low cost to pop the question.
While finding the engagement ring is a big part of the proposal, it is not everything.
hen it comes to engagement rings, and any type of jewellery for that matter, setting a budget is key as there is no limit to how much it could cost.
Having said that setting your budget and sticking to it is paramount.
Engagement rings can fetch as low as £65 for a sterling silver gem design, up to tens of thousands of pounds.
If you wish to bespoke your engagement ring you can do so, but you may have to pay a premium to do so.
There is a myth that a partner should spend two to three months’ salary on the engagement ring for their partner.
However, nowadays it’s not followed as strictly, and shoppers tend to choose their budget, especially in the cost of living crisis.
We would recommend a range of £1,000 to £3,000 is a significant sum to buy a stunning engagement ring with very good clarity and colour.
How to ace a proposal
Thinking of proposing? Follow this checklist by Fabulous’ Deputy Editor Josie Griffiths to ensure a yes…
- Time it right – the average Brit waits between 18 months and two years to get engaged. But you might feel ready after six months, or decide to wait five plus years to pop the question. Only you truly know when the time’s right, and this isn’t a decision you want to rush. Falling in love might feel amazing but of course most relationships DON’T end in marriage – and this is for good reason…
- Pay attention – hopefully you haven’t reached the point yet of your frustrated partner leaving their laptop open with ‘hints’ for rings they like. Ideally you’ll want the ring to be a secret, but also something they’d happily wear – and for the rest of their life, so just a TEENY bit of pressure here. You need to be paying attention to any comments your partner makes about other people’s rings, what they do and don’t like, and what’s most important to them – size, clarity, specific details. If you’re really unsure, or if your partner hates surprises, it’s best to propose with a dummy and then buy the real thing together.
- Family matters – tradition dictates that you ask the dad’s permission for his daughter’s hand in marriage, but it’s not so straightforward nowadays. Maybe your partner’s closer to their step-dad, or wants her mum to walk her down the aisle, in which case you’d be better off chatting to them. Maybe they’d find it weird if you went to their parents first, in which case you could ditch the whole thing. Or perhaps they’re closer to their friends and the best idea would be letting your partner’s best mate pick the ring. These things do matter and could come back to bite you if handled in the wrong way.
- Plan the setting – does your partner dread being centre of attention, or are they someone who’d be gutted if you proposed at home, berating you forever for a lack of ‘effort’? Plan the place for your perfect proposal – how busy it’ll be, whether you’ll be able to get a good pic there, and other logistics around it. A proposal at the top of a mountain might sound good in theory but your girlfriend might not actually appreciate it when there’s sweat dripping down her forehead and she’s not wearing the cute dress she’d imagined for the pictures. Personally, I can’t think of anything worse than a public proposal where everyone’s waiting to hear your answer – in a group of friends, the middle of a restaurant or with an announcement at an event. So bear all of this in mind and remember, it’s meant to be about what THEY want, not you.